Basic Skills Program (Developmental Delay)

Beginning in September 2012, the Basic Skills Classrooms (Special Start
through 5th Grade), will be housed at the Morse School. The Basic Skills
substantially separate program is designed to address the needs of
students with mild to moderate cognitive and developmental delay across
different domains (language, fine motor, gross motor delays and
intellectual delays). These classrooms are staffed with a certified
special education teacher and a paraprofessional, serving no more than
12 students per classroom.

Students are taught using a modified
curriculum that is aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
Teachers utilize a multi-sensory approach to instruction and provide a
positive approach to behavior management that focuses on rewarding
appropriate behavior and functional social skills. Related service
providers consult with classroom staff and provide direct services to
the students.

All students are involved with typical peers
during lunch and recess, as well as in all school based activities,
field trips, assemblies etc. Students are integrated with typical
developing peers in general education classrooms during academic and
social activities as appropriate. Integration is carefully planned and
monitored by the IEP team members.